Christmas Bird Count

The 21^st Sandwich Christmas Bird Count was held on Sunday, January 3, 2016. The weather was cooperative with some clouds, moderate temperatures and not too much wind. As was the case last year, there was as much open water as we ever see for the count. We also had terrific birder coverage throughout the circle with about 20 birders in 12 territories. The species total of 53 was one shy of last year’s record 54. The 3610 birds was our third highest total.

There were no new count birds this year but new count highs were established for Hooded Merganser – 36, Common Goldeneye – 41, Northern Cardinal – 46 and Purple Finch – 57. No shrike or crossbills were seen. Hermit Thrush and Common Grackle were seen for only the second time on count day.

Other highlights:

• Common Loon-3
• Bald Eagle-3
• Northern Goshawk-1
• Great Horned Owl-1
• Belted Kingfisher-1
• Red-bellied Woodpecker-3
• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker-1
• Northern Flicker-1
• Boreal Chickadee-7
• Eastern Bluebird-12
• Snow Bunting-14

Here is the list with the 20-year mean in parentheses.

• Canada Goose              2 (4)
• American Black Duck     10 (13)
• Mallard                            72 (34)
• Common Goldeneye       41
• Hooded Merganser         36 (4)
• Common Merganser       86
• Wild Turkey                    90 (63)
• Ruffed Grouse                7 (6)
• Common Loon                3
• Bald Eagle                      3 (1)
• Northern Goshawk          1
• Red-Tailed Hawk              2 (1)
• Ring-Billed Gull                6
• Herring Gull                     1
• Rock Pigeon                   15 (20)
• Mourning Dove               145(150)
• Great Horned Owl           1
• Barred Owl                       1 (3)
• Red-Bellied Woodpckr     3 (1)
• Downy Woodpecker        74 (47)
• Hairy Woodpecker           65 (48)
• Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker  1
• Northern Flicker                1
• Pileated Woodpecker      15 (8)
• Belted Kingfisher            1
• Blue Jay                           146 (226)
• American Crow                131 (68)
• Common Raven               16 (17)
• Black-Capped Chickadee 748 (827)
• Boreal Chickadee            7 (5)
• Tufted Titmouse               90 (61)
• Red-Breasted Nuthatch    44 (56)
• White-Breasted Nuthatch  149 (112)
• Brown Creeper                 10 (12)
• Golden-crowned Kinglet   8 (14)
• Eastern Bluebird              12 (4)
• Hermit Thrush                 1
• American Robin                           24 (61)
• European Starling            79 (96)
• Cedar Waxwing               102 (44)
• American Tree Sparrow   38 (22)
• Song Sparrow                  2
• White-throated Sparrow   3 (3)
• Snow Bunting                  14 (7)
• Dark-eyed Junco             359 (99)
• Northern Cardinal             46 (13)
• Common Grackle             2
• Pine Grosbeak                 1
• Purple Finch                    57 (6)
• House Finch                     6
• Pine Siskin                     187 (61)
• American Goldfinch          514 (383)
• House Sparrow                83 (26)

Totals:  53 species (43);      3610 individuals (2853)

Count Week bird:  Sharp-shinned Hawk

Tony Vazzano, Compiler